Hotel Antonius Review – Skiing at Zell Am See in Austria

When my friends and I were thinking of taking a long road trip, the first thought that came to our minds was Italy and then Austria. Italy for its magical small villages and romantic Venice and Austria in order to visit Zell Am See, the small, picturesque town on the lake I’ve heard so much about and to ski that we adore. Therefore, we drove to Patra, took the Minoan – Grimaldi Lines to Ancona – which was exactly what we used to return to Greece – and drove all the way up to Venice, with a pit stop at beautiful Bologna.

The trip on the boat was another unique experience by itself. Lots of students, business people, couples and friends were enjoying the tranquil journey that lasts a whole day. Walks on the deck, watching the deep blue Ionian see and scheduled night parties at the main bar of the Minoan boat were more than we could imagine.

From Venice to Zell Am See, we drove through the snowy Dolomite mountains and after stunning views and careful drive, since it snowed all the time, we reached our final destination. In Zell Am See we had the pleasure to stay in one of the most traditional Austrian hotels, Hotel Antonius. Hotel Antonius is a four star, family owned hotel, created with charm and love from its owners.

Built in a lovely area, called Kaprun – Zell Am See, Hotel Antonius attracts visitors from all over the world. Its unique special features, the Austrian atmosphere and the local cuisine are a must feel and try when there. From half of the rooms you have the magnificent view of the castle “Hohe Tauern” and from the other half you get to enjoy the snowy Alps that surround the place. The people working there are not just employees, they are family. They have been working there for years and are so warm and welcoming that they can understand your every need before you even express it. The interior design of the hotel is very elegant and its based in simple lines.

The rooms are stylish and cosy, imparting that desired homely ambience from the very first day – a perfect place for switching off and feeling great. The welcoming space of Hotel Antonius leads you to the indoors swimming pool and jacuzzi to relax even more before or after skiing. If you are up for an Austrian snack, just hit the bar and if you prefer to read a book and unwind, feel free to spend some time at the main lobby area and dive in those big Austrian cushions …

Small stores for everything that anyone might need when in a ski town, are practically next door. And the choices to visit the ski pistes are immense, having the bus coming by the hotel to pick you up! The three skiing mountains – the Kitzsteinhorn, Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel – provide consummate fun on 138 kilometres of pistes. Before you leave this place, you must visit the glacier at the Kitzsteinhorn. It is located 3029 meters above the sea, at the top of Salzburg and it offers you a museum with facts about the mountain, nature, technology, a fine dining restaurant and a glass balcony with impeccable views.

Zell Am See and Hotel Antonius are not famous only in the winter. In the spring and summer you can go hiking, lake swimming, rowing and so much more …

Christina P. Mallaki is a Parsons School of Design graduate in New York, with a vast experience in Fashion, Boutique Hotels & Lifestyle journalism for ELLE Accessories NY, VOGUE Hellas, etc. Currently she designs Costume Jewellery for her own line, Countess Wilhelmina, that she sells to exclusive stores around the globe.